Beginning Biblical Studies

Thirty-three years of teaching Scripture and theology to undergraduates has given Marielle Frigge great insight into the needs of biblical study students and teachers. Unlike any other text on the market, this book does not assume familiarity with the contents or origins of the Bible or with the Bible's major events, characters, and themes. Beginning Biblical Studies, Revised Edition paints in broad strokes to provide readers sufficient context for reading and understanding the Bible. Revisions to Frigge's original text include fuller treatment of Jewish, Orthodox, and Protestant perspectives, updates for the most recent scholarship, a new appendix on archaeology and the Bible, plus more photographs, sidebars, and recommended resources, as well as revised appendices, time lines, and maps.

In this new text, students will find a readable, comprehensive, and engaging companion for use with a study Bible. Beginning Biblical Studies does not assume familiarity with the contents or origins of the Bible, or the Bible's major events, characters, and themes. To further support beginning students, each major section begins with an overview followed later by a more detailed explanation, to gradually clarify complex ideas or developments. Keywords and concepts are listed at the beginning of each major section, then are reinforced throughout the text. Instructors may choose from a variety of Bible texts for use with this book. Several appendices in Beginning Biblical Studies provide students and teachers with additional material on particular topics such as biblical criticism, Israelite worship, literary forms in the prophetic books and the Gospels, important biblical terms and concepts, to name a few. Timelines and maps help to make ideas clear. Appropriate for all introductory Scripture courses and core introductory religion courses where theology and Scripture are covered together.

The Death of Scripture and the Rise of Biblical Studies examines the creation of the academic Bible. Beginning with the fragmentation of biblical interpretation in the centuries after the Reformation, Michael Legaspi shows how the weakening of scriptural authority in the Western churches altered the role of biblical interpretation. Focusing on renowned German scholar Johann David Michaelis (1717-1791), Legaspi explores the ways in which critics reconceived the role of the Bible. This book offers a new account of the origins of biblical studies, illuminating the relation of the Bible to churchly readers, theological interpreters, academic critics, and people in between. It explains why, in an age of religious resurgence, modern biblical criticism may no longer be in a position to serve as the Bible's disciplinary gatekeeper.

This is an ideal introduction to modern biblical studies. Readers are introduced to questions of inspiration, canon and authority. This is followed by chapters on historical approaches to the Bible, such as source, form and redaction criticism. Comparisons with other literature, such as ancient flood stories or Egyptian psalms help to set the context for this. Moyise also asks such questions as 'How did we get the Bible?' and, 'why do modern versions of the Bible differ among themselves?' Moyise considers a number of approaches to the Bible. Beginning with literary criticism, he shows how texts 'speak' to readers and influence their attitudes, emotions and behaviour. This is followed by liberation, feminist and finally a variety of theological approaches used by those who consider the Bible to be sacred scripture. For the third edition Moyise has added two sections, one giving a basic outline of the biblical story together with a timeline and key dates, and another on dating the New Testament.

The idea of the Old Testament as a source of historical information was replaced by an understanding of the texts as a means for early Jewish society to interpret its past. 'Biblical Studies and the Failure of History' brings together key essays which reflect the trajectory of this scholarly shift.

Studying the Bible in an academic institution can be very different from studying it in a church service or house group, but for all Christian readers the fundamental task is the same: to understand, and to live out, the meaning of the text as fully as possible. Nevertheless, formal courses in universities and theological colleges will require students to learn information and evaluate opinions that can appear to be of little consequence for most other readers of the Bible. Furthermore, Christians can be confronted with essentially non-Christian worldviews that conflict with their basic convictions; evangelicals will grapple with other Christian perspectives, or with tough questions within their own presuppositions about the nature and content of the Bible. This collection provides an introduction to academic study of the Bible, with the particular needs of evangelical students in mind. These essays are intended to complement standard texts and lecture courses, and offer accessible, up-to-date surveys of key issues, along with valuable orientation and advice.

This two-part text for introductory theology courses at the undergraduate level explores foundational concepts dealing with revelation and various christological themes. +